MRI Radiographer - Band 5 or 6 - MRI

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the full job description for more detail and information regarding parking in supporting information

Job summary

1) To work as a member of the cross-sectional MRI team using initiative, skills and knowledge to provide a high quality, professional service at all times.

2) To have working knowledge of clinical and safety standards in cross-sectional imaging, in particular ensuring an understanding of, and compliance with MHRA regulations.

3) To deliver and assist in day-to-day running of the MRI department with the ability to prioritise and organise workload including modification of scanning lists to accommodate urgent and emergency cases.

4) To exercise awareness of patient examination targets and manage lists accordingly.

5) To provide a consistent high quality of patient care and have communication skills which reassure anxious patient mix.

6) To perform regular Quality Assurance.

7) To assist and advise in the future procurement of cross-sectional equipment.

Job responsibilities

Clinical

1. Take responsibility for the welfare and comfort of the patient whilst under the care of the radiology department, prior, during and post their examination. Ensure that they are kept informed of any factors, such as delays, that are likely to affect them.

2. Ensure all patients are positively identified, consented and safety checked using the appropriate questionnaires prior to commencement of any examination, risk assessment for all as required by local rules/operational policies.

3. To actively demonstrate knowledge of fatal contraindications in MRI and be assertive enough to refuse examinations if safety cannot be proven.

4. Take responsibility for the justification and vetting of certain scans such as MRI brain scans for the clinical indication of TIA/stroke. From clinical information available advise clinicians on which Consultant Radiologist they should refer to for approval of a particular examination protocol.

5. Operate and manipulate complex equipment ensuring its safe use at all times

6. From the clinical information available on the examination request card or from the Consultant Radiologist or vetting practitioner, select the appropriate scanning protocol required to optimise the diagnostic examination.

7. Using detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of MR to modify protocols/parameters where appropriate, taking into consideration patient condition and/or clinical information required to optimise the diagnostic value for each individual patient presentation whilst not exceeding conditions of patients with implants.

8. Physically position the patient for a full range of MR examinations ensuring image quality, patient comfort and safety is maintained at all times.

9. Following completion of the examination be responsible for the management of patient images/data including processing, archiving, copying, image contrast and multi-planar image reconstruction

10. Be proficient in intravenous cannulation and intra muscular delivery of contrast, being aware of reactions and the action/treatment required. Be proficient in using an automated intravenous pump and associated intricate connections.

11. To practice within the scope of Patient Group Directives (PGDs).

12. Participate in clinical trials/research when required.

13. Participate in clinical governance with particular respect to quality, audit and risk management programmes

14. To participate in MRI out of hours rota including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

15. To operate as a non medical requester of X-rays to exclude implants to ensure patient safety with training.

16. To be proficient at reviewing X-rays to exclude any metallic foreign bodies as part of MRI screening process.

Management

1. Assist in the day-to-day organisation of workload making changes where necessary to accommodate emergencies and to ensure the smooth running of lists. Liaise with referrers, wards and departments in arrangements regarding appointment times and the appropriate method of transport of patients to the department. Operate as MRI coordinator checking safety and flow of each patient through the unit.

2. Prioritise workload allowing for clinical need and urgency.

3. Liaise with the consultant/duty radiologists in the scheduling of in-patient workload

4. Participate in the STAT alert system, a system in which radiographers alert radiologists of new/changing pathology which may affect/change a patients ongoing management.

5. Liaise with referring departments (particularly A&E), keeping them informed of any delays to patient throughput that might result as a consequence of, for example, excessive workload, equipment breakdown etc.

6. Keep equipment, work areas and accessories clean and tidy. Be aware of all procedures to promote infection control and reduce cross contamination.

7. Ensure all equipment is kept in good working order. Report any faults or hazards to the Superintendent Radiographer or in their absence deal directly with the appropriate service supplier.

8. Encourage cohesive working arrangements within a small team acting as a role model and providing leadership for more junior staff and staff rotating through the team.

Health and Safety

1. Be aware of the dangers and effects of high field MR and carry out examinations according to safe practice. Be familiar with the safety procedures concerning MR including magnet quenching, fire and cardiac arrest.

2. Keep up to date and current with MHRA guidelines on implants and safe working practice

3. Advise referring clinicians on the suitability of patients for MR scans with particular reference to safety of patients with internal cardiac/neurological devices, external mechanical devices and those with communication difficulties.

4. Adhere to departments COSHH regulations including dealing with a chemical spillage.

5. To be proficient in ANTT cannula insertion and removal.

6. To be able to stop unauthorised entry to MRI if checks are incomplete or if there is any doubt on safety of implants.

7. To be proficient in the use of MRI conditional fire extinguishers.

Communication

1. Communicate effectively with all patients, relatives, carers and other health professionals.

2. Advise patients regarding enquiries concerning their referral and the nature of the examination to be undertaken.

3. Advise medical staff/referrers seeking advice with respect to appropriateness of cross-sectional imaging for specific cases, availability of results and other queries.

4. Be able to adapt communication skills to explain and carry out procedures for groups of patients including those that may be confused, intoxicated, aggressive, anxious. Skills needed to provide patients or relatives with empathy and emotional support for the bereaved, terminally ill, injured, traumatised or those altered by substance use/abuse.

5. Communicate effectively to reassure patients who are anxious regarding the claustrophobic nature of MR

6. Be proficient in controlling violence and aggression and in employing talk down skills when required.

Administrative

1. Be proficient in IT skills. Be able to enter patients details, access patients records/history on e-Care and other relevant systems and retrieve images on the Trusts computerised radiography systems, work stations as well as the patient archiving and communication system.

2. Ensure requirements of radiation administration and protection are observed as identified in the dept local rules, procedures, protocols and guidelines. Record radiation doses on the Trust computer system for patients records. Record pregnancy status and log MRI specific absorption rates where appropriate.

3. Carry out any initial research and record all relevant information/evidence on patients record regarding MRI implants.

4. To prescribe (as a named individual) and record contrast media and anti-spasmodic in accordance with patient group directives.

5. Participate in performing quality assurance procedures and recording results and escalating problems as required.

6. Participate and support departmental audits

7. Carrying out relevant tasks under the QSI programme.

Teaching/Training/Development

1. Assist in the induction of new starters helping to deliver the required equipment and safety training and ensuring that the appropriate evidence is completed.

2. Teach and promote awareness and compliance with policies and protocols.

3. Provide dedicated training to junior radiographers rotating through MRI.

4. To supervise as MRI authorised operator MRI non clinical personnel such as imaging assistants and MRI engineers.

5. Understand how the undergraduate radiography course runs to enable teaching and supervision of students on placements in MRI and, on occasion, other students including school leavers and pre-registered doctors.

6. Maintain, through continuing professional development, an awareness of developments in cross-sectional imaging.

7. Ensure all mandatory training requirements are kept up to date

Participate in the Trust appraisal system

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Have a degree or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography.
• Be registered with the HCPC.

Desirable

• Post Graduate courses in MRI CT.

Experience

Essential

• Have experience in cross sectional imaging.
• Interest and experience in a variety of MRI procedures.
• Must demonstrate current knowledge of MRI guidelines in particular MRI safety.
• Participated in audit and governance

Desirable

• Have senior experience.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to work well in a small team.
• Be assertive with MRI safety issues.
• Flexible approach to working hours/duties.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Competent with IT software and post processing of cross sectional images.
• Ability to teach MRI at a basic level to staff, students and others.
• Ability to select suitable protocols for pathology.
• Possess leadership skills.
• English speaking
• Good time management with busy lists.
• Able to cope with stressful and emotional circumstances.

Desirable

• Presentation skills.
• Ability to travel to all locations/satellite sites to carry out post.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Occupational health clearance to carry out all physical tasks required
• No known implants contraindicated to an MRI controlled environment.
• Flexible approach to working.
• Expectations to cover extended working day and weekend service inclusive of Bank Holidays.
• Be able to cope under pressure and deliver against objectives.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Suffolk Hospitals Nhs Trust

Hardwick Lane

Bury St. Edmunds

Suffolk

IP332QZ

Employer's website

https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)